Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

Resources

The allure of the heavens has gripped many of us in one form or another at some point in our lives, but for many it can seem like a daunting task to learn more about our universe. Our society’s raison d’être is to facilitate a means to satisfy this curiosity through various methods.

Beginner’s Sessions

Our monthly meetings always begin with a talk by one of our more seasoned astronomers about basic astronomical concepts and observational methods. These talks are a great way to learn the fundamentals of our cosmos, on top of ways to most effectively observe them as a beginner.

Discussion Forum

We find that learning about astronomy is best enjoyed when doing it in the company of your peers. Our membership welcomes people from all walks of life, from hobbyists who are curious about the inner workings of the cosmos, to teachers and scientists who have made a career out of their curiosity, we are all brought together by our mutual love for astronomy.

Our online forum is a space for us to facilitate discussion about astronomy and its related sciences, as well as a way for non-members to participate and learn more from our collected expertise. Want to get a telescope, but not sure what you’re looking for? Or where exactly does one get a proper astronomical telescope in Winnipeg? Our discussion page is the perfect place to ask these questions.

Educational Outreach

Astronomy has been proven to be a fantastic way to get students engaged in the classroom. Where does elemental matter come from? Are there other planets with life? How do we get out there? The awesome machinations of how our universe works stimulates the mind’s curiosity, and there is no part of modern science where astronomy doesn’t have a relevant stake. From physics and chemistry to biology and the arts, astronomy can be used as an effective tool to stoke the imagination.

The National RASC page also has a number of resources available for teachers, parents, or anyone else looking to educate others in the basics of astronomy. Available are a number of curriculum aids from the RASC, as well as other institutions such as the CSA and CASCA.

Public Observing

While getting started in stargazing is as simple as going out on a clear night and looking up, it can feel daunting if you don’t have a place to start. Also, many people would like to look at and learn about certain deep-sky objects, solar or interstellar phenomena, but may not have the specialized equipment that might be needed to view it. Fortunately, our members are passionate about the astronomical sciences, and are eager to spread this knowledge as far and wide as possible to any who are willing to listen.

We do a number of public observing events throughout the year, mainly to coincide with particular astronomical events or dates such as the International Day of Astronomy. If you’re watching the news and hear about an eclipse coming by or a comet on the loose, chances are we’ve got a public observing event lined up. Just keep an eye on our events page if you’d like to drop on by.